Ok, I'm learning.

[DRG]

Ok, I'm learning.

I decided to get back into modeling after a forty+ year hiatus. I stumbled across this modeling site and have been perusing it's pages for several weeks. In that time I have visited what Hobby Shops I can find here on the Northcoast and am surprised at the lack of models available. It may be more what I'm looking for than anything else. The building supplies most have leave a little to be desired and then of course the price change from forty years ago.

I have learned several things on this forum.

1- Moms sewing basket is no longer a good place to find sparkplug wires, same for the wife;s I guess.

2- When you see a model you want buy more than one since they will disappear rather quickly.

3- Seems your better off buying paint and glue from on-line dealers as it will at least be somewhat fresh and not all dried up.

4- Micro-Mark has just about anything you could need in the line of tools and such.

I have managed to gather up about 15 models I want to build, the tools are ordered as is the paint and other items needed. ( could get to-day). My first model will NOT be wired and all those other neat little tricks you guys do, it will be a simple paint and build.

I want to extend my thanks for all the tips and tricks I have been reading about, they will be of great assistance to me as I progres in model building.

A lot of you are true craftsman and the models you build are works of art.

[Guest Johnny]

I was away from the hobby for an extended period too and this was one of the first sites I found after finally moving into the modern era of communication about 6 years ago!(fist computer and getting online)

What I have learned over the years and from guys on here that do pro-quality work andhave been in the hobby for decades is "you never stop learning"!

[David G.]

Welcome back! I've been away from the hobby for more than twenty years, myself.

[MikeeD]

Welcome back modeling brother. Like the rest, I've also been away..... since they cost $1.49. Oops...did I just admit that? One of the most daunting things for me was noticing the cost of everything...wow! But, the other side of that coin is, the availability of things like wired distributors and etched parts and cool wheels is unreal! Detail has just gone ballistic and the quality of model builds these days is intimidating to say the least. I'm still working on my first build ('38 Ford pick-up) after a couple months trying to re-remember stuff I thought I knew.

Looking forward to seeing whatcha build...

[charlzrocks]

Don, welcome back to the hobby! You are gonna have fun!!

Oh, and we have cookies and juice over there on the table if ya get hungry!

Edited July 12, 2010 by charlzrocks

[Chuck Most]

I've never really left the hobby (I've been at it since '88), but I've had my hot and cold moments, for sure!

All I can say is- build what you want to build, to your own standards. If it doesn't make YOU, the builder, happy, then what's the point? Get back into it, get comfortable... THEN worry about the finer details!

[Dr. Cranky]

Well said, Chuck. Building models is ALL about the fun!

[Scalper]

Welcome. and yes have fun that is what its all about. looking forward to seeing your builds.

[MikeMc]

After reading your post Don, looks like you have a good plan worked out! Stick to it , keep adding as you build your skills, STEAL ideas from all of us shamelessly, And as you've been told...Have Fun!!!

Edited July 12, 2010 by MikeMc

[Peter Lombardo]

Welcome back Don....you will find it's just like riding a bicycle....you never really forget how....enjoy yourself....it's all about the relaxation and sharing with like minded guys. Besides, even though it is not exactly cheap anymore...it is cheaper than a therapist.

[Ragnar]

Welcome Back to a GREAT Hobby.

The main thing as others have said is to have FUN! Build What you want to Build, the way you want to build it! Don't let others tell you that you have to Do things just one way.

I build Hot Rods, Early Customs, Muscle Cars mostly from the sixties, and some Classic Sports Racers. I have a Hard time building anything right out of the box, as I always find things I want to Improve and/or Change!

Other People like other types of cars, and people enjoy different levels of building their Models to! There is no right or wrong method, it is what makes you happy that counts.

There are several of the members on this Forum with years of building and Knowledge of the different aspects of building models that are always willing to give you any help they can!

CHEERS!

[bigmikevee]

Hi Don,

Welcome to a great place, drop in for happy hour!! I am also returning to this wonderful hobby, just a great bunch of folks here, you can get good solid answers from knowledgeable builders, and trust me, your skills will improve.

Now, if this may help you, here's what I do now vs. what I did before. First off, got a magnifying visor to make it easier to see details (a visor keeps your hands free), GREAT investment. Also, got a couple of good lights, can't do detailed work if you can't see details. Also got some good tools for shaping and sanding, don't forget man's second best friend, the x-acto knife, micro mark is great place. Good tip- do not tear off parts from trees like we did when we were younger, get a good cutter, or for the budget, use nail clippers for now, then sand down the nub to make it smooth, doesn't leave torn-up area on parts.

Now, for other sanding and do-dad's, try Sally's beauty or any beauty supply house. Nail files, flexible sanders, just wander and grab a handful of rough and smooth stuff, experiment on the sprue before you try on the model itself. Also, next time the wife goes to Hooby Lobby, Michaels, etc. tag along, lots of cheap odds and ends like bead wiring and beading tools that, down the road, can really make your modeling better and save some money again.

Once I got some basic tools together, I concentrated on removing the parts cleanly, filling in sink holes, removing any flashing and mold lines, just making parts look right and then test fitting before painting and glueing. I also started mock-up glueing together with elmers glue to make sure things were going to fit right, the quality of the models has improved so much, but....they still like a little massaging here and there, the more critical you are (while relaxing and enjoying) the better the end results. Look twice, sand and shape once, and bingo, ya got something!!

Hope this helps a little Don, been on the forum myself since Feb. this year, just tried to condense the above information (which I got from the good folks here) into a couple paragraphs to help you, just like everybody helped me. I have become a very dangerous beginner ha-ha simply by following the above, plus as soon as I post this, I know more folks will bring up things I might have forgotten to tell you. It's fun to help people here with my own little tips, keeps the ball rolling.

Welcome back and have fun, post some pictures when you can. You came to the right place, open 24-7 and don't forget happy hour!!

Mike

[DRG]

First off I would like to say thank you for the replies and welcome back into this great hobby.

I have been busy gasthering the things I need and reading tips and tuturials.

The information that has been given is very much appreciated.

I tried to post some pictures to illustrate the cramped conditions and finally decided to try posting via Fotki.

I hope this works http://public.fotki.com/prg5609/

[Wagoneer81]

Let me add a belated Welcome Back!!! From what I've read and seen so far, you are off to a great start. Keep in touch, don't be afraid to ask questions and, by all means, have fun! You've a pretty nice work area there, small but well thought out and arranged.